YMCA and PTA team up for Colors for Courage 5K

The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA and the Scotch Plains-Fanwood PTA Council are coming together this year to host a new color run, the Colors For Courage 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run. The event will be held in-person on Sunday, May 22 at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, with the 1-Mile Fun Run beginning at 9:00am and the 5K beginning at 9:30am.

Participants can register for either the 5K or 1-Mile Fun Run online at https://raceforum.com/courage. The event is being held during Mental Health Awareness Month to encourage and support those taking steps toward becoming healthier in spirit, mind, and body. During the event, participants will be spattered with colorful powder as they pass certain markers. There will be an option for those who wish to forgo the color powder.

“The last two years have affected us all, and as a result many individuals have faced increased isolation, anxiety and stress,” said Jennifer Donahue, the race director and the Y’s Senior Program Director. “By coming together, we hope this event will show people in our community that they are not alone and that there are resources available to assist their overall health in mind, body and spirit.”

For over a decade, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood PTA Council and the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA have partnered on their annual charity 5K, formerly called United for a Cause, to raise awareness and funds that support local health and wellness initiatives.

Proceeds from the race will support a PTA Scholarship for a graduating senior entering the health and wellness field as well as YMCA initiatives that support mental health programs in the Y’s 7th Grade Initiative program and the Y’s LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program, a free program designed to help cancer survivors reclaim their physical health and mental well-being. Since the first annual 5K charity race, over 360 cancer survivors have completed the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program and over $15,000 has been awarded to high school students for their education in the health care field.

For questions regarding the Colors for Courage 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run, please contact Jennifer Donahue at jdonahue@fspymca.org.